Gentoo™

FAQ

Why is the coating called Gentoo?

It is named after an Antarctic species of penguin that repels water and oil off its feathered coat. It is NOT short for “generation two”, as some have guessed.

How can Gentoo be removed?

Gentoo hydrophobic coating is very durable, so removing it can be difficult. In some cases, Gentoo can be removed using abrasive materials such as heavy-duty abrasive sponge (which contains aluminum oxide), sandpaper, or blasting.  Pressure washing may also remove Gentoo, under certain circumstances.  Another method is to use a high pH/solvent mixture, as described below.

For small items, including glassware and lab tools, a chemical solution of 100% pure potassium hydroxide with 99% isopropyl alcohol may also be used. A recommended ratio is 1 lb (0.45 kg) of potassium hydroxide to 2-3 gallons (7.5-11 liters) of isopropyl alcohol. Items can be soaked in this highly reactive solution for several days in order to begin to remove the coating.  A final wash with soap and water, and then water, is advised.

Note: These removal methods may damage the substrate and/or coating beneath the Gentoo coating. Appropriate safety precautions, including the use of proper personal protective equipment, must be taken when removing Gentoo from a surface.

 Can the Outdoor / UV life of Gentoo be improved?

For the longest lasting outdoor performance, apply Gentoo over surfaces that contain a UV inhibitor.

 What is the coverage of Gentoo?

In the following statements, “Gentoo” alone refers to Gentoo Part A combined with Gentoo Part B (in equal parts by weight, per the instructions and technical data sheet). Gentoo Part A and Gentoo Part B are filled by weight, not by volume.

The following coverage estimates assume no waste: one gallon (3.8 L) of Gentoo covers approximately 665 ft² (61.8 m²). A complete “quart kit” contains 61 fl oz (1.8 L): this covers 316 ft² (29.4 m²). A complete “5-gal set” contains 9.5 gal (36 L): this covers 6,330 ft² (588 m²).

There are different ways to apply Gentoo. Depending on which method is chosen, your coverage and waste may vary. Collecting, re-using (and re-filtering) will help achieve maximum coverage and reduce waste.

What is the storage temperature for Gentoo?

Gentoo should be stored between 40°F and 115°F (4°C and 40°C).

What is the shelf life of Gentoo?

The shelf life of Gentoo is four (4) years when stored at 75 °F (24 °C).  Storage at higher temperatures will shorten the shelf life.

 How durable and abrasion-resistant is the coating?

Gentoo is very durable and abrasion resistant. The ASTM D 3363 pencil hardness of Gentoo applied to hard surfaces is 9H. Contact us for additional abrasion data.

Can Gentoo be decanted or divided into smaller containers?

It is not recommended that Gentoo is divided into smaller containers.  Gentoo is moisture sensitive and must be repackaged using a carefully controlled process.  The mixing process and container choice will also affect the quality of the Gentoo.  It is recommended that the appropriately sized set of Gentoo is ordered for the specific application.  The use of quart kits is recommended for initial testing.

 Is Gentoo transparent?

Yes, Gentoo is transparent and it retains its transparency even with mild abrasion.

 Is Gentoo oleophobic and hydrophobic?

Yes. Gentoo maintains performance after being challenged with a wide range of solvents including mild soap, salt water, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), naphtha, some acids, heptane, jet fuel, deicing fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, and others.  Gentoo does not hold up well with long exposure to very low pH (acidic, less than pH of 3) or very high pH (alkaline, greater than pH of 11) fluids.  It is advised to test Gentoo with your specific chemical application prior to adoption.

How long will Gentoo last?

The performance of Gentoo is dependent on the quality of the application of the Gentoo to the surface or substrate (particularly the quality of the adhesion of the Gentoo), the desired performance results, how the surface is cleaned, chemical exposure, abrasion and, if outdoors, the presence of a UV stabilizer in the substrate.

Gentoo has provided asset protection for over five years for many customers, even in the harshest of outdoor environments.

 Is corrosion resistance correlated directly to the thickness of the coating?

There has not been much testing done showing corrosion resistance versus thickness of Gentoo, as it is difficult to build the thickness of Gentoo (versus a paint that can be built up over itself to achieve a targeted thickness). However, even a thin coating 4-8 microns) of Gentoo will help to prevent corrosion, since it is hydrophobic, and it is insulating and acts as a barrier. Because it is hydrophobic, it will shed water and water-based substances more easily than other surfaces. Because it is insulating, it will inhibit the flow of electricity to the substrate, which slows the corrosion process. Because it acts as a barrier, many liquids that may remain on the surface will be physically separated from the substrate.

 Is Gentoo slippery?

Gentoo is not slippery on its own.  It is rubbery and may cause a surface to have a higher coefficient of friction than it did before Gentoo was applied.

What type of finish does Gentoo have?

Gentoo has a glossy finish.

 Is Gentoo electrically conductive?

No, Gentoo is not electrically conductive.  It would be considered an electrical insulator.

 How chemically resistant is Gentoo?

Gentoo maintains hydrophobicity after being challenged with a wide range of solvents including mild soap, salt water, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), naphtha, some acids, heptane, jet fuel, deicing fluid, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, and others.

How well does Gentoo stand up to acid/bases?

Gentoo does not hold up well with long exposure to very low pH (acidic, less than pH of 3) or very high pH (alkaline, greater than pH of 11) fluids.

Is Gentoo fingerprint or smudge resistant?

 It has not been extensively tested, but its repellency does provide it some resistance.  It is recommended you test this performance feature of Gentoo for your own specific application to determine its applicability.

How much weight does Gentoo add when applied?

The estimated weight of Gentoo is about 0.85 grams per square foot (after full hydrolysis and full curing) at 5-micron thickness. This equates to 0.00187 lbs/sq foot.

Is Gentoo capable of preventing corrosion?

Gentoo is an excellent anti-corrosion coating. Gentoo’s dense structure provides a high physical barrier to electrolytes that cause corrosion and an insulating electronic barrier for galvanic corrosion. For best results, a paint or another protective coating should be applied to the substrate, and then Gentoo should be applied when the paint or other coating is still “green” (tack-free but still has reactive groups available to help to bond). Gentoo hydrophobic coating can also be applied to a paint or other coating after it has dried, but surface roughening (if acceptable) is recommended to promote adhesion. Gentoo can also be applied directly to a substrate. In this case, surface roughening (if acceptable) and/or other surface preparation methods are recommended to promote adhesion.

Can Gentoo be used primarily as a top-coat?

Gentoo makes a great top coat – it has been coated on bare metal (aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.), on plating (Cd, Zn-Ni), and on top of current primer/top coats. The coating thickness is normally 4-6 microns, much thinner than a typical paint.

Can Gentoo be applied to electronics to protect them from moisture, liquids, and corrosion?

Yes, Gentoo can be successful in these types of applications.  Testing prior to adoption is recommended.